Holbox is in the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve, and its wetland terrain welcomes all kinds of critters. Kayaking through mangroves might bring you face to face with alligators and turtles. Most properties have resident raccoons, coatis, and iguanas. There's even big year-worthy birding to be had if you go cuckoo for that sort of sighting. Throughout the year, more than 50 types of birds call the area home, including millennial pink flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, falcons, motmots, and gnatcatchers. Many can be seen from your deck or walking into town, but they congregate en masse on Bird Island, Passion Island, Punta Mosquito, and at the Yalahau cenote, once frequented by pirates in need of drinkable water. The thriving biting insect population makes packing bug spray essential.
